MMPI profiles of patients with panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder: Relationship to diagnosis and time since onset

Ten patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and 10 patients with panic disorder (PD) were given the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI). The 2 groups were not found to be statistically different on any of the sub-scales. Elevated anxiety and depression scores were noted in both groups. Time since onset (TSO) of symptoms was found to be inversely correlated with MMPI scores so that patients with long duration of illness had better scores than those with a short duration of symptoms. These findings are discussed in light of possible factors affecting improvement in chronic anxiety disorders.